Case for cosmetics or other products

ABSTRACT

A container or case for cosmetics or other products that are applied by an applicator tool, the container or case comprising a housing adapted to receive an exchangeable cartridge and a handle adapted to receive an exchangeable applicator tool. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a window for viewing the substance contained in the exchangeable cartridge.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/102,476, filed Oct. 3, 2008, the contents of which are herebyincorporated in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is a case for cosmetics or other products inliquid, paste, gel, powder, granular, or other form, such as mascara;paint; glue; lotion; polish; lip gloss or other make-up; a medicalcream, liquid, or ointment; household product; or other industrialsubstance, to be applied with an appropriate tool, such as a brush,sponge, comb or other applicator tool, based on the content of the caseand the object to which the content is to be applied, such as parts ofthe body.

BACKGROUND ART

Many products such as mascara are packaged in cases which are used andthen entirely disposed of and which lack replaceable components. Thedisposal of the entire case results in environmental waste.Additionally, this inhibits replacement of components such as anapplicator tool which may get contaminated or otherwise become worn orunusable, which would minimize waste if the applicator tool were easilyreplaceable since the remaining components could continue to be used andonly the applicator tool would be disposed of. Further, the products areusually deposited directly within the case, rather than in a replaceablecartridge within the case, which inhibits use of different productswithin the case, inhibits reuse of the case, and promotes disposal ofthe case and overall waste rather than retention of the case. Finally,because products currently are packaged in the aforesaid manner, suchpackaging does not promote use of durable, valuable, and/oraesthetically-enhanced materials for the case itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks.Embodiments of the present invention provide a case for a substance thatis applied by an applicator tool, comprising a housing adapted toreceive an exchangeable cartridge with a cavity for use in containing asubstance, and a handle adapted to receive an exchangeable applicatortool with an applicator end for use in applying the substance. In someembodiments, the housing comprises a window for viewing the cavity ofthe exchangeable cartridge.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of replacing anexchangeable applicator tool in a case for a substance, comprisingproviding a case comprising: a housing adapted to receive anexchangeable cartridge and a handle adapted to receive an exchangeableapplicator tool, wherein the housing and the handle are removablyattached when the case is in a closed position; an exchangeablecartridge removably attached to the housing; and an exchangeableapplicator tool removably attached to the handle; removing theexchangeable applicator tool from the handle; and removably attaching asecond exchangeable applicator tool to the handle.

Embodiments of the present invention provide method of replacing anexchangeable cartridge in a case for a substance, comprising: providinga case comprising: a housing adapted to receive an exchangeablecartridge and a handle adapted to receive an exchangeable applicatortool, wherein the housing and the handle are removably attached when thecase is in a closed position; an exchangeable cartridge removablyattached to the housing; and an exchangeable applicator tool removablyattached to the handle; removing the exchangeable cartridge from thehousing; and removably attaching the second exchangeable cartridge tothe housing.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of manufacturing acase for containing a substance that is applied by an applicator tool,comprising providing a housing adapted to receive an exchangeablecartridge with a cavity for use in containing a substance; providing ahandle adapted to receive an exchangeable applicator tool with anapplicator end for use in applying the substance; and providingconnectors for removably attaching the housing and the handle so thatthe applicator end of the exchangeable applicator tool is inserted inthe cavity of the exchangeable cartridge when the case is in a closedposition.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an exchangeable cartridgefor use in a case, comprising an exchangeable cartridge with a cavityfor use in containing a substance and at least partly constructed of atransparent or translucent material, wherein the exchangeable cartridgeis adapted for removable insertion into a case. In at least someembodiments, the case comprises a window for viewing the cavity of theexchangeable cartridge. In at least some embodiments, the mouth or topof the exchangeable cartridge has a seal and/or a cover.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an exchangeable applicatortool for use in a case, comprising an exchangeable applicator tool withan applicator end for use in applying a substance and constructed of awashable material, wherein the exchangeable applicator tool is adaptedfor removably attaching to a case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a view of one embodiment of the invention when fullyassembled and closed.

FIG. 2 shows a view of one embodiment of the components of theinvention, disassembled.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a view of one embodiment of the invention when fullyassembled and closed.

FIG. 5 shows components of one embodiment of the invention,disassembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in terms of specific,example embodiments. It is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the example embodiments disclosed. It should also beunderstood that not every feature of the methods described is necessaryto implement the invention as claimed in any particular one of theappended claims. Various elements and features of various embodimentsare described in order to fully enable the invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a case for a substance thatis applied by an applicator tool, comprising a housing adapted toreceive an exchangeable cartridge (also referred to herein as a“cartridge”), and a handle adapted to receive an exchangeable applicatortool (also referred to herein as an “applicator tool”), wherein theapplicator tool has an applicator end that is in direct contact with thesubstance being applied.

In some embodiments, the housing comprises a window for viewing thesubstance contained in the exchangeable cartridge. In at least someembodiments, the case is of a size that is convenient for a user tocarry on their person, such as a small size that would fit within awoman's purse. In at least some embodiments, the case is attractive andis presented as a fashion accessory.

The case is shaped to contain a cartridge and an applicator tool, bothof which are removably attached to the case. The applicator tool isreplaceable, avoiding waste of the entire case when the applicator toolwarrants replacement or when a different type of applicator tool isneeded. The cartridge is replaceable, meaning it can be removed and/orexchanged with another cartridge, thus reducing waste (as compared withdisposing of the entire case when the user is finished with the contentof the cartridge) and enabling reuse of the case. In some embodiments,the cartridge is refillable and/or recyclable, enabling re-use andreducing waste for still further.

The case may be manufactured from a range of materials, from plastic todurable and/or valuable and aesthetically-pleasing materials such asgold, stainless steel, platinum, etc. (and even decorated in otherfashions, such as gem-encrusted or appealing designs), to giveattractive looks that promote retention rather than disposal and toprovide a fashion product, similar to jewelry, watches, purses, shoes,etc. Then, the case comprising a housing and a handle will not bedisposed and thus will not create waste.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system in which a usercan select a type of exchangeable applicator tool to carry in the caseand a substance to carry in the case based on the choice of exchangeablecartridges and the substances contained therein. In one example, a usermay select an exchangeable cartridge containing mascara, and may selectan exchangeable applicator tool with an applicator end that is a curvedmascara brush. In another example, a user may select an exchangeablecartridge containing lip gloss, and may select an exchangeableapplicator tool with an applicator end that is a sponge with a taperedtip. In still another example, a user may select an exchangeablecartridge containing a temporary hair dye, and may select anexchangeable applicator tool with an applicator end that is a comb. Inyet another example, a user may select an exchangeable cartridgecontaining a nail polish, and may select an exchangeable applicator toolwith an applicator end that is a nail polish brush. In still anotherexample, a user may select an exchangeable cartridge containing amedical cream, and may select an exchangeable applicator tool with anapplicator end that is sterile and is appropriate for applying thecream, for instance perhaps the tool is shaped like a cotton swab. Forembodiments of the invention used for medical purposes or other purposesrequiring sterility, the exchangeable applicator tool may be a sterile,single-use tool with an applicator end such as a pad, a cotton swab, ora sponge. It is understood that any combination of exchangeablecartridge and exchangeable applicator tool may be selected by the user,and such combination still falls within the scope of the invention.

The case and system for use as described herein provides a versatile andfunctional accessory. The exchangeable cartridges to be used in thesystem are provided with a cover or a seal, so that the cartridges canbe covered for protection of the substance within the cartridge and forstorage when the cartridge is not in the case. In at least someembodiments, the exchangeable applicator tools used in the system arewashable, so that they can either be wiped off, washed, or otherwisecleaned when a cartridge is exchanged, or can simply be cleaned andstored when not in the case. In some embodiments, the exchangeableapplicator tools are single-use tools. In some embodiments, theexchangeable applicator tools are sterile, single-use tools.

The applicator tool may be attached in a variety of ways to the handleof the case, including, for example, with a screw means such that thescrew means may screw the applicator tool into the handle and/or mayscrew the handle into place on the case. In some embodiments, theapplicator tool may snap into place in the handle such as by an elasticinterference between the protruding edge on the handle of the case and arecess in the case (or vice versa), or the end of the applicator toolopposite the applicator end may fit through an opening within the handlesuch that the entire applicator tool may not fit through the gap and isotherwise restricted from movement, or by other means, such that theapplicator tool is fixed into place for use but is readily removablefrom the case itself. The applicator tool typically will fit within anycartridge present when the case is closed, but depending on theembodiment, may vary.

The ability to use different types of applicator tools also allows theuser to select a preferred or optimal applicator tool, e.g., one'spersonal preference may vary with which sort of brush one uses formascara, rather than using a preselected one as must be done with atypical product case. Because the cartridge is replaceable, this alsoallows replacement of just the applicator tool not only when worn orwhen a different applicator tool is preferred for use, but also if anapplicator tool otherwise becomes undesirable to use or unusable such ascaked with content from the cartridge. A further advantage is obtainedwhen the applicator tool is made of a washable material so that it canbe kept clean and sanitary for use.

In some embodiments, the applicator tool may be further stabilizedwithin the case by use of a skirt in the structure of the case. In someembodiments, the skirt may serve to assist in holding the applicatortool in place for fine control of the applicator tool when applying thesubstance stored in the case. In some embodiments, the skirt may beadded for aesthetic purposes. In some embodiments, the handle and theskirt comprise two separate components of the case. In some embodiments,the handle and the skirt are integrated into a single component of thecase and are referred to as a handle.

The cartridge may be attached in a variety of ways to the case,including with screw threads on at least part of the exterior to fitwithin a screw thread recess on the inside of the case (or vice versa),or inserted within the housing with the case end being able to close(e.g., via a separate screwing piece, an end which snaps closed, etc.).The case is typically designed so that the cartridge is physicallyrestricted from further movement within the case once it is fixed inplace.

The cartridge may be provided with a covering over the mouth opening toprotect the substance within, prior to use or between uses. For example,the cartridge may have a removable and replaceable lid that fits overthe mouth of the cartridge, or may have a mouth which has a seal that ispierced by the applicator tool once the case and its components arefully assembled and closed. There are many different methods forproviding a covering for the cartridge, and how the cartridge is coveredis not meant to be a limitation of the present invention. In someembodiments, the cartridge may have both a factory seal and a removablecover. The factory seal may serve to inform the user that the contentswithin the cartridge are clean and unused. The replaceable cover may beused by the user for storage of the cartridge and protection of thecontents when the cartridge has been removed from the case and is beingstored while a different cartridge is placed in the case. In at leastsome embodiments, the replaceable cover is not used while the cartridgeis being used within the case. Rather, it is only used for storage ofthe cartridge outside of the case.

The cartridge is easily removed and replaced. In at least someembodiments, the cartridge is inserted and removed through an opening atthe bottom of the housing. Connecting means, such as a screw means, atwist-lock means, and/or a snap-lock means, holds the cartridge in placeinside the housing. In some embodiments, there is a bottom connectorthat fits over an opening in the bottom of the housing into which thecartridge is inserted.

In some embodiments, the cartridge may be inserted into an opening atthe top of the housing, at the end of the housing that removablyattaches to the handle. In some embodiments, the housing may have aclamshell-like opening, thereby opening on the long axis by a hingedmechanism.

When the cartridge is placed into the housing of the case, in at leastsome embodiments, the edge of the mouth of the cartridge is flush, oreven, with the edge of the housing of the case, such that when theapplicator tool is inserted into the cartridge, it does not leaveresidue either on the housing (for example, if the mouth was furtherrecessed within the case) or on the cartridge (for example, if the mouthextended further out from the section of the case substantiallycontaining the cartridge). In other words, in some embodiments, when thecartridge is fully inserted and removably attached to the housing, theupper defining edge of the cartridge is flush with the upper definingedge of the housing. The cartridges of the invention are meant to beexchangeable and replaceable in the case in a way that is functional, sothat the contents of a first cartridge used in the case do notcontaminate the contents of a second cartridge placed in the case afterthe first cartridge is removed.

Ideally the cartridge is clear to show the contents within, and the casehas at least a clear window or an opening by which to view the cartridgecontents when the entire case is assembled and closed, which enablesknowing what substance is within, how much content is left, and when toreplace a cartridge in which there is only a small quantity of substanceleft. Because the cartridge is replaceable, this also allows replacementof just the cartridge not only when the amount of substance is low orwhen a different cartridge is preferred for use, but also if acartridge's contents otherwise become undesirable to use or unusablesuch as dried out or unsanitary.

The outer housing of the case, or container, may be comprised of severalparts which fasten together (whether by screwing, snapping, or otherattaching means that can be repeatedly performed) when fully assembled,or may be designed in other ways, such as a single piece which opens ina clamshell fashion (along the long axis) within which are secured thecartridge and applicator tool, or with a “pop-out” mechanism like a penbut which separates the outer case into a first section adapted toretain a cartridge and a second section adapted to retain an applicatortool, or otherwise. In some embodiments, the connecting mechanism may bea twist-lock mechanism that is activated by placing the two pieces to beconnected together, and then rotating one of the pieces 90° to fittogether a protrusion that locks into an opening made to receive theprotrusion.

With reference to the figures, the following description is based on anexemplary implementation of an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1,the container or case 1 is depicted as fully assembled and closed, thusshowing the outer components of the case. The handle 2 is removablyattached to the housing 4. The handle 2 and the housing 4 can beremovable attached by any suitable mechanical connection. One of skillin the art would understand that the type of mechanical connection isnot meant to be limiting, and that there are a plurality of mechanicalconnections that could be utilized, and would still fall within thescope of the present invention.

In at least some embodiments, the housing 4 comprises a window 5 forviewing the contents of the housing. In at least some embodiments, thehandle 2 is connected to a skirt 3 to which the applicator tool isattached and which serves to stabilize the applicator tool.

The handle 2, the skirt 3, and the housing 4 may be made of anymaterial, such as gold, silver, platinum, stainless steel or plastic. Itis possible, but not necessary, that the handle 2, the skirt 3, and thehousing 4 may all be made of the same material. In some embodiments, thehandle 2 and the housing 4 are constructed of the same material but theskirt is constructed of a different material. In some embodiments, asingle component of the case, such as the handle 2, the skirt 3, and thehousing 4, may be constructed of more than one material. For example, inat least some embodiments of the invention, the window feature 5 of thehousing 4 will be constructed of transparent glass or transparentplastic, or any other suitable transparent or translucent material,while the remainder of the housing may be constructed of metal, plasticor other materials. Many different combinations of materials arepossible for use in constructing the outer components of the case andare not meant to be limiting to the scope of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, the components of the invention as they exist in someembodiments are shown. The handle 2 comprises a connecting mechanism 10that enables connection of the handle to the applicator tool 14. Theconnecting means 10 of the handle 2 connects directly with theconnecting means 13 of the applicator tool 14. The connecting meanscould be any mechanical means for connecting the handle to theapplicator tool in a secure way so that the handle can be held when auser wishes to apply the content of the case using the applicator tool.For example, the connecting means may be, but is not limited to, ascrewing mechanism, a snapping mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, atwist-lock mechanism, or a locking mechanism. In some embodiments, theconnecting means is a snap-lock mechanism such as the one depicted inFIG. 2.

The applicator end 15 of the exchangeable applicator tool 14 may be anytool that is useful in applying the substance contained in the case. Forexample, the applicator end 15 of the applicator tool 14 may be, but isnot limited to, a straight brush, a curved brush, a sponge, a pad, acotton swab or a comb. As depicted in FIG. 2, the applicator end 15 ofthe applicator tool 14 is a straight brush. In some embodiments, thebrush may be a straight brush, a curved or angled brush, a brush with alarger diameter at a first end than a second end (so that the brushtapers toward the free end and away from the applicator tool stem), orany combination thereof.

As noted with regard to FIG. 1, in at least some embodiments, the handle2 is connected to a skirt 3. The handle 2, the skirt 3, and theapplicator tool 14 are all joined by connecting means such as thosedepicted in FIG. 2. Examples of mechanical connecting devices aredepicted in FIG. 2 at 10, 13 and at the top inside section of 3. In someembodiments, the applicator tool 14 connects directly to the handle 2,with the skirt 3 connecting to the handle 2. In some embodiments, theapplicator tool 14 connects directly to the skirt 3, with the skirt 3connecting to the handle 2. One of ordinary skill in the art realizesthat any suitable mechanism may be used to connect together the handle2, the skirt 3, and the applicator tool 14. So long as the applicatortool is removable and replaceable by another applicator tool, suchconnecting mechanisms fall under the scope of the invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, there is no skirt 3. Rather, theremay be a handle similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and, for example, anapplicator tool with a mechanism for connecting the applicator tool toeither the cartridge or the housing. In some embodiments of theinvention, the handle 2 and the skirt 3 will be combined into a singleintegrated handle (which may be referred to as simply a “handle”) thatcontains a mechanism for connecting the exchangeable applicator tool tothe integrated handle and a mechanism for connecting the integratedhandle to the housing 4.

FIG. 2 depicts the housing 4, including the window 5 for viewing thecontents of the case. In at least some embodiments, an exchangeablecartridge 17 fits inside the housing 4 so that the defining upper edgeof the cartridge 17 is flush, or even, with the defining upper edge ofthe housing 4. A connecting means 12 is used to removably attach thecartridge 17 to the housing 4. The connecting means could be anymechanical means for connecting the housing to the cartridge so that thecartridge is held securely in place within the housing for storage anduse. For example, the connecting means may be, but is not limited to, ascrewing mechanism, a snapping mechanism, a 90° twist-lock mechanism, alocking mechanism, or any combination of connecting means. In someembodiments, the connecting means is a snap-lock mechanism such as theone depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 depicts an “exploded” view of an embodiment of the invention,with the components arranged in the order in which they fit together ina fully assembled, closed case. The handle 2 removably attaches to theapplicator tool 14. The handle 2 and the applicator tool 14 are attachedso that the applicator tool 14 can be removed and replaced whenever theuser wishes to do so. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the handle 2and the applicator tool 14 are attached by a snap-lock connector, butany mechanical connector could be used so long as the applicator tool 14can be removed and replaced. Examples of mechanical connectors includescrew connectors, snap-lock connectors, twist-lock connectors, magneticconnectors and any other connectors that can serve to removably attach afirst component to a second component. The connected handle 2 andapplicator tool 14 are attached to the skirt 3. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 3, the skirt is removably attached so that it serves tostabilize the applicator tool 14 for use.

The housing 4 contains a cavity for receiving a cartridge 17 with acavity for use in containing a substance to be applied by the applicatortool 14. The cartridge 17 is removable and replaceable. The cartridge 17is removably connected to the housing 4 and is at least partially heldin place by a bottom connector 12. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3,the removable connection is achieved via the bottom connector 12 that isshown here to be a snap-lock mechanism, but any mechanical connectorcould be used as long as the cartridge 17 can be removed and replaced.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the cartridge 17 is furtherstabilized by an assembly cap 16. The assembly cap 16 serves to hold thecartridge in place within the housing 4, and also serves to make the topedge of the cartridge 17 flush with the top edge of the housing 4. Thisfeature serves to keep the housing 4 free of the substance contained inthe cartridge 17 by preventing build-up of the substance contained inthe cartridge 17 around the top of the housing 4. In some embodiments,the assembly cap 16 is not present, but rather the cartridge itself willfit inside the housing 4 so that the top edge of the cartridge 17 isflush with the top edge of the housing 4.

In at least some embodiments, the applicator end of the applicator tool14 will fit snugly through the neck of the assembly cap 16 (or of thecartridge itself, in the absence of an assembly cap 16), thus wipingexcess substance off of the applicator tool and further protecting thehousing 4 from being soiled by the substance in the cartridge 17.Contamination of the housing 4 with the substance from the cartridge 17is undesirable. It is an objective of at least some embodiments of theinvention that no substance be left on the case when a first cartridgeis removed and replaced with a second cartridge, as the substance in thesecond cartridge might be contaminated with the substance from the firstcartridge. As noted above, in some embodiments, a single componentcomprises the cartridge 17 and the assembly cap 16 so that the sameobjective is accomplished.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the invention with a screw connector.The housing 20 comprises a window 22 for viewing the contents of thecartridge which is inside the housing, and screw threads 24 forremovably connecting the housing 20 to the handle 26, which is removablyattached to the applicator tool 28.

FIG. 5 depicts the same embodiment of the invention as depicted in FIG.4, with the components further disassembled. The housing 20 comprises awindow 22 for viewing the contents of the cartridge 30. The cartridge 30is held in place inside the housing 20 by placing the cartridge 30inside the housing 20 and screwing a bottom connector 32 into the bottomof the housing 20, thus holding the cartridge 30 inside the housing 20.

Still referring to FIG. 5, and as in the embodiment described in FIG. 3,the defining upper edge of the cartridge 30 fits flush with the definingupper edge of the housing 20. This feature serves to keep the housing 20free of the substance contained in the cartridge 30 by preventingbuild-up of the substance contained in the cartridge 30 around the topof the housing 20 and/or around the top of the cartridge 30. In at leastsome embodiments, the tool end of the applicator tool 28 will fit snuglythrough the neck of the cartridge 30, thus wiping excess substance offof the applicator tool and further protecting the housing 20 from beingsoiled by the substance in the cartridge 30.

The handle 26 holds the applicator tool 28 by use of a screw connector,wherein the applicator tool 28 has a lip on the end opposite the endcontaining the tool, and the lip is situated on a ledge inside thehandle. A cover 34 is then screwed into the top of the handle 26, thusremovably connecting the applicator tool 28 to the handle 26 in a waythat enables storage of the applicator tool within the cartridge andalso enables maneuverability of the applicator tool for use in applyingthe substance.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other changes,combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition tothose set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications ofthe just described embodiments can be configured without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understoodthat, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may bepracticed other than as specifically described herein.

1. A case for a substance that is applied by an applicator tool,comprising: a housing comprising a mechanical connection and an openingon a first end, the opening adapted to receive an exchangeable cartridgehaving a cavity for use in containing a substance; and a handleconfigured to removably attach directly to the mechanical connection ofthe housing and comprising a connecting device adapted to removablyattach to an exchangeable applicator tool with an applicator end for usein applying the substance.
 2. The case of claim 1, further comprisingthe exchangeable applicator tool having an applicator end, wherein theapplicator end of the exchangeable applicator tool is inserted into thecavity of the exchangeable cartridge when the case is in a closedposition.
 3. The case of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a windowfor viewing the cavity of the exchangeable cartridge.
 4. The case ofclaim 1, further comprising the exchangeable cartridge, wherein adefining upper edge of the exchangeable cartridge is flush with adefining upper edge of the housing when the exchangeable cartridge isremovably connected to the housing.
 5. The case of claim 2, wherein theapplicator end of the exchangeable applicator tool is selected from thegroup consisting of a brush, a comb, a pad, a cotton swab and a sponge.6. The applicator end of the exchangeable applicator tool of claim 5,wherein the brush is selected from the group consisting of a straightbrush, a curved brush, an angled brush, and a brush of larger diameterat a first end of the brush than at a second end of the brush.
 7. Thecase of claim 4, wherein the exchangeable cartridge is recyclable. 8.The case of claim 2, wherein the exchangeable applicator tool isrecyclable.
 9. The case of claim 2, wherein the exchangeable applicatortool is washable.
 10. The case of claim 1 further comprising a skirt.11. The case of claim 2, further comprising a removable cover for theexchangeable cartridge.
 12. A method of using a case for a substance,comprising: providing a case comprising: a housing comprising amechanical connection and an opening on a first end, the opening adaptedto receive an exchangeable cartridge having a cavity for use incontaining a substance; a handle configured to removably attach directlyto the mechanical connection of the housing and comprising a connectingdevice adapted to removably attach to an exchangeable applicator toolwith an applicator end for use in applying the substance; anexchangeable cartridge removably attached to the housing; and anexchangeable applicator tool removably attached to the handle; removingthe exchangeable cartridge from the housing; and removably attaching asecond exchangeable cartridge to the housing.
 13. The method of claim12, wherein the removably attaching is accomplished by a mechanicalconnector.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the mechanical connectoris selected from the group consisting of a screw connector, a snap, atwist-lock connector, and a snap-lock connector.
 15. A method ofreplacing an exchangeable applicator tool in a case for a substance,comprising: providing a case comprising: a housing comprising amechanical connection and an opening on a first end, the opening adaptedto receive an exchangeable cartridge having a cavity for use incontaining a substance; a handle configured to removably attach directlyto the mechanical connection of the housing and comprising a connectingdevice adapted to removably attach to an exchangeable applicator toolwith an applicator end for use in applying the substance; anexchangeable cartridge removably attached to the housing; and anexchangeable applicator tool removably attached to the handle; removingthe exchangeable applicator tool from the handle; and removablyattaching a second exchangeable applicator tool to the handle.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the removably attaching is accomplished by amechanical connector.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mechanicalconnector is selected from the group consisting of a screw connector, asnap, a twist-lock connector, and a snap-lock connector. 18.-24.(canceled)